Think Pharmacy First

Local people are being encouraged to go to their local pharmacy (chemist) for self-care advice on a range of minor ailments

All pharmacies across Leeds are offering a service called Pharmacy First to patients who are registered with a GP practice in Leeds.

The Pharmacy First service gives you the option of visiting your local pharmacist for self-care advice for common health conditions such as coughs, colds or earache. Pharmacy First encourages patients to self-care following advice from their pharmacist. Patients will only be recommended or provided with medication if absolute necessary.

The service reduces the need for you to make an appointment with your local GP, use an out of hours NHS service or visit A&E. This means when you have a common condition that can be treated with self-care or over the counter medication if absolutely necessary you can go to your pharmacy first.

Many pharmacies across Leeds are open until late and at weekends, which is useful if you start to feel unwell with one of the minor ailments included in Pharmacy First and you don’t need an appointment to access the service.

GPs can also refer patients to the service although you will have a choice of whether you want to access the service or not. Patients are encouraged to use the service as it will benefit them in the long-term, so if you were to fall ill with the same minor ailment again in the near future you will be able to self-care rather than having to see a healthcare professional.

The following minor ailments are included in Pharmacy First:

Cough

Cold

Earache

Sore throat

Threadworms

Teething

Athletes foot

Thrush

Hay fever

Fever

Blocked nose

Sprain or strain

Head lice

Indigestion

Dehydration

Want to know more about Pharmacy First? Speak to your local pharmacist or your GP.